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Morris J. "Jack" Hayward
Morris J. "Jack" Hayward, age 88, died Friday, April 13, 2012. He was born October 14, 1923, at Needmore, Mo., the son of Morris and Mary Hayward.
Since September 2011, he was lovingly cared for at the Ash Grove Healthcare Facility where he made many new friends. He was united in marriage to Bertha Mae Jennings on January 6, 1943. To this union was born two children, Randall Robert and Carolyn Ann.
He was preceded in death by his father in 1963, his mother in 1965, his older sister Pauline Broyles in 1998, and his younger brother Joe Hayward in 2006.
Survivors include his loving wife Bertha Mae, children and their spouses: Randall and Corda Hayward of Stockton, Jimmy and Carolyn Tucker, Fort Scott, Kan.; five grandchildren: Brad and Teresa Hayward, J.R. and Julie Hayward Woods of Bolivar, Carson and Lyndsey Hayward of Stockton, Levi and Mariam Tucker Self of Gardner, Kan., and Aaron Tucker, Fort Scott; three great grandchildren: Paige and Jackson Woods, and Britney Hayward.
Jack was inducted into the Army from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., on Aug. 10, 1944. He proudly served his country on the front line 90th Infantry Division, Third Army, Company B in Germany under General Patton. Decorations and citations include the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars, Infantry Badge and Army of Occupation Germany Medal.
His battles and campaigns were in Rhineland, Central Europe. He was involved in the cleanup of the Battle of the Bulge. He became a Staff Sergeant Sept. 26, 1945.
After the war ended, he continued to serve in Germany as a Motor Sergeant in the military government until honorably discharged on Oct. 24, 1946.
Jack and Bertha Mae lived a very happy and colorful life together in Dade and Cedar counties and in Tulare, Covina, and Visalia Calif. They moved back to Stockton for the last time in 1963.
Jack enjoyed a variety of work opportunities, ranging from Market Basket manager in California, to owning and operating Jack's Express Route in Stockton, and excelling in General Motors sales in 1973 and 1974.
Jack was converted January 1950 in a revival at the Needmore Church with evangelist Ralph Gothard, and baptized February 1950. He was sanctified June 1966 at the Stockton Church of God Holiness. He served the Lord with gladness and sincerity in several capacities through the years, excelling as Sunday School teacher and song leader.
Jack was a devoted husband for 69 years, a loving father, and a doting grandfather and great grandfather. He lived life to the full and enjoyed talking and laughing with his family and friends, and riding horses.
He was a charter member of the Stockton Saddle Club. He was always upright in his dealings with everyone and was interested in the welfare of others.
He remained faithful to his Lord and Savior and was ready when the heavenly summons came. His long, useful life has ended on Earth, but his loving family and faithful friends will treasure his memory. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." (Revelation 14:13).
While we sorrow, we sorrow not as those who have no hope; for we hope to meet again where sorrow never comes. The Reverends Kenneth Smith and Brent Bland conducted the memorial service at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Stockton Assembly of God Church. Pallbearers were Ron Broksieck, Joe Haines, Donnie Oldham, Darrell Pummill, Levi Self, and J.R. Woods. Honorary pallbearers were Brad Hayward, Carson Hayward, and Aaron Tucker. Music was provided by Carolyn Tucker, pianist and soloist. Interment was in Lindley Prairie Cemetery with full military honors. The elite honor guard from Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., performed full military rites at the grave site. Arrangements were under the direction of Brumback Funeral Home.